Community Briefs

SSHS Fall Sports Meeting, Aug. 2

SEELEY LAKE - The Fall activities pre-season meeting will be Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. in the Seeley-Swan High School cafeteria.

Fire Danger Moved to “High”

MISSOULA – Fire officials with the Missoula County Fire Protection Association (MCFPA) have moved the fire danger back up to “High” starting July 25.

Despite the moisture received earlier this month, the fine fuels (grasses and small shrubs) are quickly drying and curing along with the heavier fuels as hot and dry conditions continue. The weather forecast calls for warm temperatures this week, creating an increased wildfire risk concerning fire officials.

Open burning (debris burning) is CLOSED for the remainder of the fire season. People are urged to be extremely careful while recreating out in the woods in Montana.

Campers should also be careful with campfires, as they are a significant cause of wildland fires in Montana. When having a campfire, completely extinguish the campfire by dousing it with water, stirring it and continuing to pour water until heat can no longer be felt from the fire and the ash is cold to the touch. Most people are surprised at how long it takes to extinguish a campfire. A small amount of water poured on a campfire is not sufficient.

Also, please take the time to properly inspect wheel bearings, tire pressure and make sure trailer chains are at the right length and not dragging along the road thus causing a wildfire along roadsides from a spark.

The MCFPA would like to thank the residents of Missoula County for being cautious while enjoying the outdoors. Find more on the web, at: http://www.mcfpa.org and like us on Facebook for instant updates throughout the week.

Dunham Road to be Closed Temporarily

SEELEY LAKE – The Dunham Road #4388 on the Seeley Lake Ranger District will be closed temporarily beginning Aug. 1 so that a retaining wall can be installed to stabilize a section of the road. This road leads to Lodgepole Trailhead and that trailhead will also be closed during this short-term work.

 The closure will begin at mile marker 5.25 on the Dunham Road. Dunham Road is located approximately 17 miles east of Seeley Lake and is accessed via the Cottonwood Lakes Road #477. 

The closure will be lifted and access will be available again to the Lodgepole Trailhead starting Aug. 5.

Work will continue on the road for another two weeks once the road is opened Aug. 5 and the public should anticipate delays during this period. To minimize the potential for delays, travelers are being advised to arrive in the area before 7:30 a.m., during the lunch hour (around 12 p.m.) or after 5 p.m. 

For current information on the status of the road and work schedule/traffic delays, please contact the Seeley Lake Ranger District at 406-677-2233.

Seeley Lake Community Foundation Awards Scholarships

SEELEY LAKE — The Seeley Lake Community Foundation is proud to announce two, $1,000 scholarships awarded to Kelsey Linford and Shelby Holmes. Linford and Holmes both exemplify the hard work and determination that the Seeley Lake Community Foundation wants to recognize and encourage to continue their educational efforts.

The Seeley Lake Community Foundation has provided $10,000.00 in scholarships to Seeley-Swan students since 2006.

Seeley Lake Community Foundation was founded in 1999 by a handful of local residents who wanted to give back to their community. What started from a single, $250 donation has now grown into an endowment of more than $500,000 dedicated to the Seeley Lake Community. To learn more or contribute, visit http://www.seeleylakecommunityfoundation.org

Potomac Library News

POTOMAC - The latest new books at the Potomac Library include: “Secret Lamb of Heaven” by Lydia Millet; “Inspector of the Dead” by David Morrel; “Superfluous Women” by Carola Dunn; “Swans of 5th Avenue” by Melanie Benjamin; “Red Notice” by Bill Browder and “A Street Cat Named Bob” by James Brown.

The library also received five new books this week that were added to the library’s collection by local donors. Thank you so very much for thinking of us.

Children’s books are always welcomed and can be donated in someone’s name, or for an extra special gift just to celebrate!!!

Our library has a wonderful “reference section” with some extremely interesting collections from local donors. Please stop by and take a look. There are numerous books that are available in large print. These are available to be delivered to our library on Wednesdays.

The library is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. all summer. Stop by and also take a look at the quilt on display provided by Blackfoot Peacemakers.